I write so often of the challenges in my life, you might even think that's all I've faced.

That wouldn't be true-

Not even close.

I've been so blessed to have so many beautiful memories of milestones, celebrations and wonderful relationships.

But every truly memorable thing I've learned in this life didn't come from those "mountaintops," when everything was going my way..

No, they came to me when I was at my lowest- rock bottom, as I call it.

When I thought I wouldn't make it, the emotional pain was terrible or any other reason that came crashing down around me.

That's when Iearned who I was, how strong I had become and how to claw my way back to the top.

Was it easy ?

Not even a little.

Did it hurt?

Yes, always in some way, badly.

Did I know how to get back up?

Not a clue most of the time, but when the only options are give up and stay down or figure it out, you find a way to come back from the bottom.

So, like anyone else, I love the happiness and good times, but it was the hard times that made me who I am...

And for that, I am beyond grateful.

I'm not saying look forward to the bad stuff- I know I didn't..

But I started to grow and learn from the things that I thought would break me..

But never did.

If you're down and out, you have a choice.

You can let life destroy you and you can ask "why me?"

Or, you can begin to understand that storms don't come to break you, but to build you.

Your strength.

Your courage.

Your gratitude and wisdom.

If you change how you look at things, you'll start to see things differently.

Instead of problems, you'll finally begin to see the opportunities that were always there instead.

I learned from being down and so can you.

Choose you.

Choose to never stay down.

Choose to become strong.

Pick up the pen, turn the page and start a new chapter.

It's called "I rise again."

|ravenwolf